how to modify biocube 14

[twogirls]

I am looking to modify the filtration on my 14 gallon biocube. There seems to be just no flow in the tank. And I would love to have the best filtration that I can in this little tank. I've heard some people take out the bioballs and put live rock back there. Same with the carbon filter in the first chanber. Any input would be awesome. Also, I plan on putting a powerhead in the tank, but I don't really know where to put it. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[autofreak44]

Originally Posted by twogirls
I am looking to modify the filtration on my 14 gallon biocube. There seems to be just no flow in the tank. And I would love to have the best filtration that I can in this little tank. I've heard some people take out the bioballs and put live rock back there. Same with the carbon filter in the first chanber. Any input would be awesome. Also, I plan on putting a powerhead in the tank, but I don't really know where to put it. Any suggestions? Thanks
im no biocube expert, but heres what i know. if you decide to go with the LR in the back instead of the bioballs, switch them out slowly. like say replace 1 bioball with 1 piece of LR every 3-4 days. if you switch it all at once, you risk starting another cycle and harming your livestock. the best place to put your powerhead is probably where its not obstructing your view, not bumping into anything, and where it can point at the place in your tank with the least flow. in reguard to replacing the carbon with live rock too, i wouldnt do it because i like carbon in my tank, but its up to you... hope this helps

 

[twogirls]

I don't have any livestock in the tank yet so I'm not worried about another cycle. That's why I am trying to get this all figured out now. When you open the lid and look into the tank there is a top layer of algae that just sits there because of the lack of flow. It's cruddy.
What is the plus side of carbon? And the negative? thanks

 

[mpls man]

you shouldn't have to run carbon on a nano, i only do that every so often on my 75 before a water change
in my nano the 1st chamber is the filter floss, then rubble rock,(small pieces of live rock) (where the bio balls where)
then the pump and heater.
for the scum on the top, aim your flow of water across the top to get water circulation, that will eliminate the film.
with the bio balls depending how long you've had your tank running, you can take them all out if you just set it up, if not i would go 1-2 at a time.
hope this helps.

 

[clay12340]

If you don't have livestock in the tank yet you can drain it and hide all your powerheads in the filter chambers and drill another hole for an output. You can also probably replace the current pump with a more powerful version as long as you find one that will fit in the limited space.

 

[twogirls]

Originally Posted by MPLS MAN
you shouldn't have to run carbon on a nano, i only do that every so often on my 75 before a water change
in my nano the 1st chamber is the filter floss, then rubble rock,(small pieces of live rock) (where the bio balls where)
then the pump and heater.
for the scum on the top, aim your flow of water across the top to get water circulation, that will eliminate the film.
with the bio balls depending how long you've had your tank running, you can take them all out if you just set it up, if not i would go 1-2 at a time.
hope this helps.

so what is the benefit of running carbon on your 75? we also have a 72 that is up and running?

 

[shallow_one]

I put one of those hydor flo deflectors on my output and it moves water around nicely. It definitely helps agitate the surface as well as move water to the bottom of the tank.